DOJ Closes Investigation Into TBLE, TLAP - Articles

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Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Aug 26, 2025

The Tennessee Attorney General’s (AG) Office has announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has closed a matter in which it alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners (TBLE) and the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP). DOJ opened an investigation in 2023 after TBLE referred two bar applicants with histories of concerning conduct to TLAP, which required those applicants to comply with reasonable medical assessments and monitoring as conditions for practicing law in Tennessee. The office called the investigation a "baseless overreach" in a press release announcing DOJ's decision. The TBLE oversees attorney admissions, ensuring candidates meet required standards of character and fitness. TLAP provides confidential support to attorneys facing substance abuse, mental health and related challenges. Both organizations operate under the authority of the Tennessee Supreme Court, which has long promoted policies ensuring fair treatment for all applicants.